HOMECOMING BRINGS MEMORIES

Homecoming football games are common occurrences at high schools across the country, but Hersey High School in Arlington Heights wanted to do something different for its 25th anniversary.

"Of course, we have a homecoming football game every year," said Ken Carter, boys sports coordinator. "So we thought why not a homecoming basketball game?"

Guy Vena, director of student activities, helped put out the word to alumni, offering a special invitation to last weekend's Hersey-Elk Grove basketball game. The staff lounge across from the gym had old yearbooks and copies of the student newspaper, The Correspondent, and a number of former Huskies stopped by at halftime to peruse the publications.

Glen Johnson of Schaumburg, Class of '71, was a swimmer and ran track at Hersey. "The biggest thing I remember is the camaraderie and the good feeling you got from being a member of a team," he said. "And I even recognized a few faculty members, surprisingly. It's been a few years, to say the least."

Brendan Eitz of Arlington Heights, Class of '90, was a Hersey High swimmer, soccer player and track team member. "The thing I'll always remember about my high school days is getting together with a bunch of friends and going to a basketball game to cheer on the guys," said Eitz, now a junior at Loyola University.

Mark Knuttel of Wheaton, Class of '76, played football, basketball and baseball for the Huskies. The most vivid memory of his school days was the state football playoffs in 1975. "We lost to Loyola at home. I missed the game with a broken ankle. I like to think that's why we lost," he said with a laugh.

Along with the memories, the night also contained a victory for the alums to enjoy. Coach Don Rowley's Huskies defeated the Grenadiers from Elk Grove 69-42, thanks in part to guard Jake Olson's 20 points.